Horseback riding in the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest

Horseback ride
Cloud forest
3 D A Y / 2 N I G H T R I D E
Hacienda
La Alegría
Hacienda La Alegria is
located south of Quito in
the verdant valley of
Machachi. As it is
surrounded by eleven
volcanoes, this region is
referred to as “The
Volcano Avenue.”

of the unique features of the environment around Hacienda La Alegria
One
the endangered habitat of the Ecuadorian cloud forest. These subtropical
is
cloud forests used to cloak much of the steep western slopes of
montane
Andes between 1,000 and 3,000 meters, but are now classified as
the
We are extremely fortunate to have an area of unspoiled
threatened.
forest close to La Alegria. These luxuriant forests rank among some
primary
the most bio-diverse habitats on the planet, with an astonishingly
of
of plant life, wax palms, giant guneras (or the poor man’s
profusion
majestic trees covered with moss, orchids, epiphytes (air
umbrella),
high-altitude bamboo and tree fern, the oldest species in the world.
plants),
H I G H L I G H T S
• 100% horseback trip (Once you start the ride you are
not transferred by a car on any day of the trip)
• Pace: Moderate, trots and canters
• High quality, easy to ride, trained horses full of stamina
owned exclusively by Hacienda La Alegria
• Optional riding training at Hacienda La Alegria.
• High-quality, well-maintained tack and equipment

the morning we ride west towards the
In
to 4,000 meters and descend to
Corazon
cloud forest. In the cloud forest, we can
the
great biodiversity of plants and
observe
including giant guneras, orchids,
flowers,
birds such as the turkey of the forest
and
In the afternoon, we arrive for tea at
(guan).
Bomboli (3,000 m), relax by the
Hacienda
enjoying the sunset, and watch
fireplace,
lights of the villages near the coast
the
in the arena and get acquainted with the horses and tack that
Ride
will use during the ride. We then ride around the neighboring
we
and mountains as Viudita and Atacazo. Our first
Haciendas
at altitude start this first day. Lunch in the Hacienda
experiences
visit the milking barn and aging cheese cave, and enjoy the hot
house,
and fireplace.
tub
connected Quito with the coast. From there we can appreciate
1960
green and fertile Machachi Valley, and we can also see the routes
the
will take the next day along the east mountain chain. Crossing
we
pastures and eucalyptus forests we arrive at the valley on
extensive
hours: 4 hours
Riding
of services
End
DAY BY DAY
Day 1
Riding hours: 4 hours
Day 2
following a great meal.
Riding hours: 6 hours
3 Day
leave behind the cloud forest and ride the old road that until
We
time for a delicious lunch at the Hacienda.

Cotton or wool, long sleeved
Shirt:
Heavy wool or fleece sweater or vest
Sweater:
Full length, wool, blend, pile or other warm pants.
Trousers:
Light-weight (polypropylene) thermal underwear,
Underwear:
and bottom
top,
Helmet (provided) bandana, and sunglasses.
Headwear:
Insulated or Gore-Tex mountain parka for rain and
Jackets:
(important)
wind
Wool, waterproof highly recommended
Gloves:
Wool or polypropylene
Socks:
waterproof, lightweight hiking boots.
Footwear:
lotions +30 and lipstick ointments
Sun-blocking
days quality horseback riding in the Ecuadorian Andes
Three
all the necessary equipment, including wool ponchos, rain
with
and chaps, horse bag, and helmets.
ponchos
nights accommodation in the listed Haciendas
2
guide (Spanish/English)
Bilingual
meals, featuring delicious, gourmet international and
All
food, wine and beer included.
Ecuadorian
boxes on the second day (the first and third day are
Lunch
lunch at the hacienda).
with
choice of wool protected saddles. You may also bring
Your
own equipment.
your
for families with children 12 years and older with
Suitable
riding skills and capacity for long journeys. 15%
good
for children up to 15.
discount
or bottled beverages
Alcoholic
Expenses
Personal
Suggested
packing list
(important)
Included
Not included
Gratuities